After escaping the foggy haze induced by the food, drinks and excitement of the holiday season, we find a brand new year ahead of us. We have a clean slate, on which we will engrave the story of the coming year.

Why not go ahead and create an outline of important things to do, and fill in the details along the way? Hopefully, my list of ideas will help!

Here are my top 10 things to do in 2008:

10. Go to the beach more often:

I have lived here for over five months, and I rarely spend time on the beach. If my friends and family back home in Alabama found out, they would kill me.

9. Celebrate Leap Year:

Ah, Feb. 29, the most underappreciated day on the calendar. Take advantage of the extra 24 hours this year, and do something you've always wanted to do but never had the time.

8. Send my first text message:

Unfortunately it's true. I am yet to send my first text message. Hopefully, in '08, I can finally make the leap into the 21st Century!

I will not mention the name of my current provider, but I will say that I can't wait to get rid of them. I am paying way too much for way too little.

6. Get in shape:

I once was a very active person, but I have become lazy over the past few years. A healthy dose of activity makes life better.

5. Go to Auburn football games:

2007 marks only the second year in memory in which I did not attend an Auburn game. I will make sure that it doesn't happen again in 2008. If you have a favorite team, go support them in '08.

4. Buy a new car:

I am crossing my fingers because I know that my car is near its end. Hopefully it will last until I can afford a newer one. Some of you feel my pain, and I hope we all have new rides by '09.

3. Make an effort to be more appreciative:

There are so many people that I owe so much to that I could never begin to repay them. My only hope is that from now on they know, without any doubt, how much I appreciate them.

2. Try harder to keep in touch with family and friends:

Since I moved, I rarely speak to my friends, and I don't contact my family enough. We should all try to stay close to the people that mean the most.

1. VOTE:

I am now 24, and I haven't voted. I know what you're thinking, and it's not true. I do care! In 2000, I was only 17 so I couldn't vote. In the 2004 election I found it impossible to support either of the candidates. Now, I'm a little wiser, and my conscious will not allow me to sit this one out.

With so much going on in 2008, it should be an exciting year. If you have any suggestions for '08, feel free to submit your list for our February issue. Email a copy of your to do list to splashnwf@yahoo.com. Have a great 2008!